West Dorset: Lyme Regis to West Bay

Dorset Coast Path

All of the Dorset sections of Coast Path were completed as day walks, using car and/or bus to get to and from each end of linear walks.  Some parts were completed as circular (or 'panhandle') walks. We completed the whole Path on a gloriously sunny - but cold December day (Tuesday 30 December 2014)!

Lyme Regis to Charmouth

Tuesday 14 June 2011

This short section - less than 3.5 miles of coast path - was completed as a linear bus walk from Bridport using buses both to the start of the walk in Lyme Regis and from Charmouth - at the end of the walk.

The South West Coast Path Association Handbook tells us that major diversions have had to be put in place in this section to avoid considerable cliff falls that have occurred.  The old alternative route along the beach, below The Spittles and Black Ven remain closed following landslips.

The diverted route is well sign-posted, leaving the main (A3052) road just north of the Charmouth Road car park and eventually crossing the golf course before emerging, once again, onto the A3052 road before dropping down to Charmouth beach with its seasonal refreshments, car park and visitor centre.

South West Coast Path distance from Lyme Regis to Charmouth: 5.5km (3.4 miles):
Total distance walked: 6.5km (4 miles).
Cumulative distances (approximate):
From Minehead to Charmouth: 882km (548 miles);
From Charmouth to South Haven Point: 133km (83 miles).


SWCP-046.2

Charmouth to Seatown

Friday 07 February 2014

Lyme Regis from Charmouth Beach

A fine day after some stormy weather! We did this as linear walk from home, using the bus to get to the start of the walk at Charmouth and back home from Chideock (pronounced: 'Chidock') at the end.

Charmouth Beach Café and Visitor Centre - after the storm

After the storm

Golden Cap from Charmouth Beach

We started this walk at the Old Lyme Hill bus stop at the top of The Street, Charmouth, then heading towards Charmouth Beach by the South West Coast Path Official Diversion.

At the beach there was much evidence of the recent storms with stones and debris and damaged beach huts. Clearing up was in progress.

East of Charmouth there is a major diversion due to cliff slippages caused by a combination of wet weather and geology. We followed the official diversion along Lower Sea Lane, River Way, Bridge Road with the long, steady climb up Stonebarrow Lane. Adjacent to the National Trust car park on Stonebarrow Hill is the seasonal National Trust shop, where drinks and ice creams may be on offer.

From Stonebarrow Hill we headed towards Golden Cap, passing the buildings of Westhay Farm and joining the Official Coast Path just above Westhay Water. We could not open the gate above Broom Cliff: the latch appeared to be jammed, so we climbed the gate. Immediately having done so, our weight must have 'unjammed' the gate and it opened!  About 500 yards further on, above Kitwells Cliff (SY399923) we noticed some ominous cracking adjacent to the path and parallel to the cliff top. This area continues to be prone to slippage and we took this as a warning sign and reported it on the Dorset County Council website.

It is well worth the effort of the steep climb up Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast. The views in all directions are spectacular on a good day. Golden Cap is, for us, one of the iconic landmarks of the South West Coast Path.

Charmouth and Lyme Regis - looking west from Golden Cap

Looking East from Golden Cap with the distinctive outline of the Isle of Portland in the distance through the winter haze

At Golden Cap - the highest point on the south coast of England

From Golden Cap the path descends to Seatown, where there are toilets, a camp site with its shop (seasonal) and the Anchor Inn for food and refreshment. Unfortunately the Anchor was closed for refurbishment when we were there and the bridge to the car park had been washed away in the recent storms. The pub re-opened in April 2014 and is recommended.

Chideock provides the usual facilities (two pubs and a local store) and is about 0.75 mile inland from Seatown. There is a regular bus service calling at Bridport, West Bay and Abbotsbury to the east and Charmouth, Lyme Regis and Seaton to the west.

We headed inland to Chideock along Mill Lane and then followed the very wet and muddy path beside the water treatment works near to Doghouse Farm.  We, perhaps, should have stayed on Mill Lane!

Seatown - the bridge to the car park - after the storm

South West Coast Path distance from Charmouth to Seatown: 8.8km (5.5 miles);
Total distance walked: 11.8km (7.3 miles).

Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 888km (552 miles);

To South Haven Point: 127km (79 miles)

Seatown to West Bay

Sunday 30 August 2010

The iconic East Cliff from West Bay

A linear bus walk from Bridport, firstly taking the bus to Chideock for the walk down to Seatown, joining the Coast Path there.  If you need supplies, stock up at the shop beside the bridge at Chideock or the seasonal store at the entrance to the caravan site at Seatown.  An early coffee at The Anchor, also at Seatown might be another option!

The Coast Path climbs to Ridge Cliff and then Thorncombe Beacon before dropping down to sea level at Eype Mouth; climbing once again to West Cliff before descending to West Bay, where there are all facilities: pubs, restaurants and several kiosks serving a wide variety of 'fast' food.  Some of these are seasonal.

West Bay Harbour

In addition there are regular bus services from West Bay to Weymouth and Poole, Bridport, Lyme Regis and Exeter, making bus linear walks feasible.

South West Coast Path distance from Seatown to West Bay: 4.8km (3 miles);
Total distance walked: 9.9km (6.1 miles).

Cumulative distances:
From Minehead: 893km (555 miles)

To South Haven Point: 122km (76 miles)